Compare Croatia Island Adventure by National Geographic Expeditions vs Dalmatian Elegance - Lower Deck Deluxe Cabin, Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Split, Croatia

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Le Méridien Lav

Arrive in the bustling port city of Split, Croatia. Check into our hotel and gather for a tour the Roman-era palace of Diocletian, built by the Roman Emperor in his hometown. In the medieval era, a village was built within the palace’s walls, forming the center of today’s Split. Enter this beguiling maze of marble streets, churches, and fortified walls.

Day 2: Split/Hvar

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach

This morning, take a boat to the picturesque island of Hvar, with a landscape of lavender fields, vineyards, limestone cliffs, and emerald coves. Explore the rural interior, dotted with small medieval villages, and join a local artist on her rustic estate for lunch and an olive oil tasting. Then hike an old route across the island to the hamlet of Velo Grablje (once an important producer of rosemary and lavender oils) and through a small canyon to the deserted stone village of Malo Grablje. End at a white pebble beach for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic. (6 miles hiking, 3 hours)

Day 3: Hvar/Pakleni Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach

Today, kayak in the Pakleni Islands, pausing on a beach to enjoy a picnic lunch of market-fresh delicacies. In the afternoon, tour the charming town of Hvar, walking small cobbled alleys draped with bougainvillea and learning their rich history. The walk ends in a beautiful Hapsburg garden where our guide—a trained aromatherapist—talks about the town’s tradition of making aromatic oils. (5 miles kayaking, 4 hours)

Day 4: Brač

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach

The largest of the central Dalmatian islands, Brač is famous for rugged natural beauty and for white limestone used for decorative stonework since Roman times. Our private boat drops anchor in the hidden bay of Blaca; hike up to the 450-year-old hermitage surrounded by pine trees, fragrant flowers, and the scents and sights of the sea. The hermitage once traded honey, wine, and olive oil with the Venetians and became known for its gastronomy. Have lunch under old oak trees in a perfectly preserved Dalmatian stone village high in the hills, feasting on local specialties cooked over an open fire. Continue to the top of Mount Vidova, the highest peak in the Dalmatian islands, and shuttle down to the town of Bol, where our boat awaits. (6 miles hiking, 3 hours)

Day 5: Hvar/Korčula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan

Cruise to the island of Korčula, passing by Hvar’s western shore of craggy cliffs and hidden coves. En route, enjoy lunch and a swim in the sapphire waters of the Adriatic. Arrive at Vela Luka on Korčula and hike to the home of a local producer of Korčula’s renowned Pošip white wine. End the day in the medieval city of Korčula Marco Polo’s hometown, then check into our boutique hotel just across the channel in Orebič, on the Pelješac Peninsula. (4 miles hiking, 2 hours)

Day 6: Pelješac Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan

Pelješac’s mixture of hilly slopes, warm Adriatic air, and sunny days is perfect for producing Croatia’s best red wine, Dingač, as well as plump oranges, pomegranates, and figs. Hike up to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery and church, and continue to a viewpoint for an extraordinary vista over Dalmatia’s islands. Follow the footpath past abandoned stone houses and ancient chapels, and descend to the coast for a swim in the sea. Try Dingač wines at a local wine cellar and visit one of the most authentic traditional konobe, or taverns, still found in Croatia to savor homemade salamis and bread and freshly caught fish. (4 miles hiking, 2–3 hours)

Day 7: Ston/Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace or Grand Villa Argentina

A scenic drive takes us to the town of Ston, with one of the longest defensive stone walls in Europe, built to protect salt ponds that brought wealth to the Dubrovnik republic. Ston is also known for its oysters, and we'll visit a local family of oyster farmers. As a grand finale, explore restored Dubrovnik, which became a major maritime power after breaking with the Venetian Republic in the 14th century. Its marble streets are lined with Baroque architecture from the 1600s and surrounded by medieval walls. You may wish to take an optional sunset kayaking tour before our farewell dinner. (4 miles hiking, 1–2 hours)

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Day 1: Welcome to the Dalmatian Coast

Your private transfer will collect you from Split airport and take you to Cornaro Hotel, located in the heart of the city. Your Local Host will greet you and be on hand to help you decide how to spend your time. Perhaps wander through the Old Town, situated minutes away from your hotel? Maybe enjoy a wine tasting at your hotel, or take in the views from the rooftop bar?

Cornaro Hotel, Split.

Day 2: Your Elegant Cruise Ship Relaxed Start

After a free morning, your Local Host will accompany you to Split harbour, where your deluxe cruiser awaits. After a warm welcome by your Cruise Manager, settle into your cabin. Join your Local Expert for a stroll through the ancient walkways of Diocletian's Palace, which now forms the historic centre of Split. Walk through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Continue your venture underground to explore the cellars. Return to your cruiser to enjoy a cocktail and Welcome Dinner with wine at your meet-and-greet party.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Cruise to Korčula Relaxed Start

Early this morning, depart from Split and journey along the picturesque coast. From the comfort of your cabin window or the breakfast table upstairs, enjoy views of sun-dappled islands during your leisurely start to the day. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays before arriving in Korčula, on the island of the same name. The locals claim the celebrated globetrotter, Marco Polo was born here. Embark on a fascinating  photography walk with Andrea, a passionate Local Expert who takes you through the herringbone maze of streets and flagstone plazas. Spend time looking for the cultural and natural treasures of the city. Then you are at leisure to indulge your taste buds in the evening at one of Korčula’s many appealing restaurants and bars.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 4: Mljet and Dubrovnik Relaxed Start

Voyage south to the Island of Mljet and join your Cruise Manager for a stroll to Veliko Jezero, the Big Lake of Mljet National Park. A gentle ferry ride brings you to the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary, which rises out of the saline waters on its own small island. After time to explore, return to your cruise ship for a traditional Croatian lunch. Next, set sail for the mighty bastions of Dubrovnik. As the receding sun casts autumnal hues across the endless sky, drift alongside the monumental city walls and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner served on deck.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Dubrovnik, a ‘Paradise on Earth’ Relaxed Start

Transfer to the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, where the footsteps of endless travellers have buffed the marbled streets and squares to a smooth patina. After your guided walking exploration, take the cable car to Srđ Mountain for scenic views over the famous fortifications and the Elaphiti Islands. Enjoy a free afternoon in the Pearl of the Adriatic - explore at your own pace, shop in the markets or stroll with friends along the ancient ramparts.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast

Day 6: The Pelješac Peninsula Relaxed Start

Start off your day cruising past the beautiful Elaphiti Islands, a summer playground for Dubrovnik's aristocracy during the 16th century. Continue to the Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for its excellent wines, where you will have the chance to take a dip in the beautiful blue waters. Enjoy time to explore before returning to your cruise ship for an included four-course buffet lunch. After mooring at a small port on the peninsula, transfer to the village of Kuna to see the local church and monastery, followed by a visit to a nearby farm. Meet the locals and treat your taste buds to a typical village feast with a Farm-to-Table dinner of Croatian delicacies, freshly made with their own produce. Late in the evening, return to your ship.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: A Venetian Dream on Hvar Relaxed Start

Drop anchor at the small island of Šćedro, with quiet coves and pristine beauty offering the most irresistible backdrop for lunch. Cruise west for a chance to swim in the crystal clear waters of the emerald Pakleni Islands. Continue to disembark at Hvar – the island of sunshine, lavender, sage and wine. Follow the gorgeous white stone, laid down by the Venetians to the town’s magnificent main square with your Local Expert, considered one of the country’s most beautiful. Lined with chic cafes, it unfurls onto the yacht-filled harbour, with the photogenic Renaissance cathedral forming a stunning backdrop. Spend time exploring the secluded beaches and tiny seafood restaurants, or visit the crowning fortress for superb views over the town and island-studded bay.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 8: Bol’s famous beach on the Island of Brač Relaxed Start

Set sail for Bol in the morning, the oldest town on the island of Brač and one of Croatia’s most famous seaside resorts. Walk along the promenade and swim at the picture-perfect Zlatni Rat, or Golden Cape, a shifting triangle of sandy beaches, protruding into the cobalt waters of the Adriatic. At a local winery, relax with some appetisers and taste some of the revered wines of the island. The evening is reserved for the Captain’s Celebration Dinner with live entertainment.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner

Day 9: Depart Split

Early morning, cruise to Split port, where your trip comes to an end. Transfers are available to Split airport. Please do not schedule flights prior to 12:00.

Breakfast